The death of a Kambala buffalo named ‘Rocket Modey’ has left lovers and enthusiasts of the traditional race in tears.
As a mark of respect towards the buffalo, many Kambala fans flaunted the picture of ‘Rocket Modey’ as a tribute.

Many rushed to the house of patron Nandalike Srikanth Bhat when his beloved buffalo ‘Rocket Modey’ died on Tuesday in Karkala.

The buffalo has won more than 100 medals in the past six years. Wreaths and garlands were placed on the carcass during the rituals. Many people were in tears even as the last rites as per traditions were performed.

Rocket Modey, one of the “fastest buffaloes”, bagged over 100 medals in the last 20 years. Srikanth Bhat, a hardcore fan of Kambala, has done everything possible to save the buffalo when it suffered age-related ailments recently.

According to Kambala fans, in 2014, Rocket Modey won the first medal by running 144 meters in 13.57 seconds along with partner ‘Kutti’ at the Lava-Kusha Kambala tracks in Miyar.

The buffalo was a major attraction in ‘Hagga Hiriya’ category of Kambala event.
Social media has been flooded with pictures, videos and messages on Rocket Modey. The District Kambala Samiti plans to offer tributes to Rocket Modey when the Kamabala season kicks off on Saturday.